Matt Mueller is moving his dream to Petrolia.
The 16 year-old tennis phenom has been working for the last three years with the City of Sarnia to build an all-season multi-sport complex complete with three tennis courts. But Mueller says the project is stalled because a location can’t be found. So he’s moving his $2.2 million dream facility to Petrolia.
The facility would have three tennis/pickleball courts, as well the possibility of hosting soccer, a computer generated golf driving range and a running/walking/wheelchair accessible track.
The steel-framed permanent building would have a semi-transparent roof to allow as much natural light in as possible. The walls would also be removable so in the summer there would be a cross breeze to keep players cool. In the winter, the facility would rely on geothermal heating allowing it to be used all seasons.
Mueller says the Y, which runs the community centre, has already said it is interested in working with the group and would consider allowing users to access washroom facilities.
Petrolia Council agreed in principle for the facility to be built at the Community Centre. It also plan to work with Mueller on the plan including helping him to write grant proposals.
The move allows Mueller to begin fundraising for the multi-use facility. He’s working with the Sarnia Community Foundation and donations can be made out to the foundation with the word Tennis on the re line.
